From July 12 to 18, fans, players, and communities across the globe will unite for seven unforgettable days dedicated to the sport’s rich history, vibrant present, and promising future. The International Handball Week is here and we are focusing on all disciplines of the sport, higlighting some fantastic stories throughout the handball world. Today, we focus on Ibrahim Tennich, the Tunisian player who was part of the All-Star team at the 2025 IHF Men’s Youth Beach Handball World Championship last month.

It is not often players get to play a world championship in their home country and it is even rarer to be part of a national team which is making its debut in the competition, but for Tunisia’s men at the 2025 IHF Men’s Youth Beach Handball World Championship last month, they did both.

But there was more: Tunisia 2025 was the setting for their first-ever competitive game and for their specialist and playmaker Ibrahim Tennich he ended the week-long championship not only as part of a top five team in the world, but in the All-star Team too.

“It's an inexplicable feeling, it's every player's dream to be voted among the best in the world,” said Tennich to ihf.info, reflecting on his personal award. “Everyone is proud of me, but it is a harvest of sacrifices and a lot of work – my family has seen how hard I have worked and how much I have sacrificed – and I was rewarded for all that. It encourages me to give more and move forward.”

Amongst the best five in the world

Tennich and his side have made great strides on the sand in just their first competition.

The preliminary round had seen the host nation secure three 2-0 wins in a row against three different continents as they beat Mexico (24:16, 24:16), Cook Islands (20:0, 18:12) and Thailand (20:16, 20:12). 

Progression to the main round did not stop their winning streak immediately as they faced their fourth continent – in South America. They opened with a 2-0 (23:16, 19:12) win over Uruguay before losing to bronze medallists Brazil via shoot-out 1-2 (12:22, 22:18, SO 2:8), ending the second stage with their own shoot-out win, against Argentina 2-1 (16:15, 22:26, SO 8:6).

This set up a quarter-final spot against their first European opponents, Hungary, which they lost 0-2 (21:23, 12:19), but they reset quickly and beat Argentina again, in the 5-8 placement round 2-0 (21:20, 19:18), to set up their second game against Thailand, this time for fifth place. And, again, they got the better of the Asian side, winning 2-0 (18:16, 22:12) in the 5/6 placement match.

“I feel like I’m still in competition, despite it finishing last month. Now I feel a void; I'm thinking about the next competition and I'm impatient for it,” smiled Tennich when looking back at his side’s performance and his own personal memories of the championship in North Africa.

“I remember many moments; a lot of good memories, especially the preliminary round and beating Argentina twice, but some bad moments too, like the game against Hungary.

“For all of our games we prepared with a lot of video analysis, watching previous games of every team. We applied what our coaches asked us to do and we tried to adapt the maximum against each country. We succeeded with that in the preliminary round where each team had a different style and different tactics, for example, Thailand liked to attack with four players without pivot.

“But in the main round we learned that we had to manage the stress and pressure and that we need to try to avoid shoot-outs,” added the 17-year-old. 

“In the quarter-final we were not concentrated in the first set, a little bit stressed, and we did not apply the instructions from the coach but in the second set, we were more confident and comfortable. WE did miss a lot of easy points so we just need to be more focused, more comfortable, and need to minimise missing these points.

“Overall though, we played mainly on the central court, in front of the TV cameras, and the atmosphere was exceptional. A lot of people came to see me, to see us, play, it's something that gives you a boost on the sand. To place fifth amongst 16 countries worldwide, especially in our first participation in an official competition, is a feeling of pride; it encourages us for the next competitions.”

A spark for investment in the future?

Amongst the many home fans watching in Hammamet was Giampiero Masi, Chair of the IHF Beach Handball Working Group.

“Their fifth place finish and having the All-star Team playmaker is a resounding success. They’ve proven they can compete with the world’s best, asserted continental dominance, and provided a springboard for future development,” said Masi about the Tunisian men’s performance.

“With targeted improvements, this talented Tunisian cohort could soon challenge for podium spots on the global stage. In my opinion, more matches outside their continent such as the IHF Beach Handball Global Tour and training camps, for example, will sharpen their competitiveness. 

“They are closing the gap with the European and South American teams and I’m sure they will enter soon among the top teams. I hope their performance in Hammamet will spark investment in youth and beach handball infrastructure in Tunisia and capitalise on the current team’s success.”

A six-year journey so far with big plans for the future

Tennich, who also plays indoor handball in the same position for Espérance Sportive de Tunis in capital city Tunis, discovered the beach discipline of handball back in 2019 when Cape Verde hosted the first-ever ANOCA African Beach Games, which incorporated the first-ever African Beach Handball Championships.

“Back in 2019 I watched all the games and I enjoyed it, I was 11,” said Tennich, about the championships which were won by Tunisia in both the men’s and women’s categories. “After that, I didn’t have the opportunity to play beach handball as it was not my priority in those years, but coach Mohamed Taboubi introduced me to it in 2024 and it all changed for me.

“In July 2024 I had my first training with the national team. There were several of us from all over the country, and I was selected. I found out via email. I told my parents first but all my family and friends were very happy for me. It's a feeling of responsibility when you wear your country's jersey, play for them, defend them and present them well.

“I started as a playmaker and it’s my favourite position,” he added. “I’m always happy to play in this position and enjoy it more than the other positions. It's a very complicated position as you have to work collectively with your teammates and create the space so they will be in good situations to score.

“I like beach handball as a game and the style too, plus the atmosphere is spectacular. I would say to anyone thinking of trying it that you won't regret it and I'm sure you'll like it, because it's different from indoor handball. There is a special atmosphere; a lot spectacle - with beach handball you're always in a good mood.”

And what is next for Tennich, a move up to the senior squad soon?

“Of course, I’m waiting for that,” he says, smiling. “I hope I have a good career, keep improving and be an idol in my country.”

With thanks to Ahmed Klibi for translation